After whole-home renovations, bathroom remodels are perhaps the most demanding home improvement projects you can undertake. Whether you have a small bathroom or a master bathroom, some requirements are always the same, and you have to account for them when planning a bathroom remodel.

To make sure the bathroom remodel in your Encinitas home goes smoothly, check out the most common mistakes homeowners make when renovating their bathroom – and steer clear of them.

Treating your bathroom like any other room

Of course you know how to make a difference between a bathroom and a bedroom or any other room. But the problem is, homeowners often neglect certain bathroom properties when remodeling, with plumbing being the first.

For example, some homeowners wish to change the complete layout of the bathroom; move the toilet to the opposite side of the bathroom, or add a double sink. Although these are far from impossible, the final layout has to be determined with the existing plumbing system in mind. A bathroom designer may not be able to give you reliable guidance on this matter, but a full-service contractor will, so you should think about that, as well.

Demolishing and purchasing before having a clear plan

Imagine you want a steam shower in your bathroom. And why wouldn’t you? It adds more comfort, among a number of other benefits. While you are at it, you realize that you also want to change the flooring in your bathroom, so you go out and buy a nice set of mosaic tiles. None of this would be problematic if only you had consulted a contractor prior to the purchase. What if the tiles you chose are not water-resistant? What if the steam shower cannot fit your bathroom?

The same happens with demolitions. Some homeowners are simply tired of their shabby old bathroom and want a complete makeover. So they demolish the whole bathroom before even deciding what they will do next. They naively believe that they can figure everything out as they go along, but unfortunately – that’s never the case.

Not setting the right budget

Remodeling Magazine recently stated that the average cost of a bathroom remodel is $16,634. However, depending on the scope of the remodel, the cost can be much higher. In case of bathroom remodels, the rule of thumb is always to set a higher budget rather than lower. If you skimp on quality materials or service, the final result is bound to be disappointing, one way or another. Bathroom remodels are very cost-efficient and guarantee an outstanding return on investment since they automatically boost your home’s value.

Neglecting the real needs in favor of trendy solutions

Other than technical details, there are a number of other equally important considerations. For example, who will use the bathroom? Do you have a senior member of the family who would benefit from senior-friendly bathroom solutions much more than a trendy addition? Not to mention that some things can be extremely dangerous for them, such as slippery flooring.

Cutting-edge solutions are excellent, provided you know how to use them. If your children are going to use the remodeled bathroom, think about whether they will be able to use all the gadgets properly. Besides, if a pricy countertop or flooring material will make you compromise on the quality service, then it’s simply not worth it. Keep things in perspective.

Forgetting the ventilation

Proper ventilation is an essential element of a properly functioning contemporary bathroom. It doesn’t only ensure fresh and odorless air in your bathroom but also prevents the development of mold. Excessive moisture and mold can wreak havoc to your bathroom flooring and walls, and seriously jeopardize the health of your family. Don’t make this mistake – install a fan, and maintain it regularly.

Not hiring a licensed full-service contractor

When it comes to remodeling as complex as this, your best bet is to hire the services of a full-service remodeling contractor. Full-service contractor companies not only have in-house designers and architects but also manage a team of plumbing and construction technicians. If your bathroom needs additional plumbing work done, they bring in reliable professionals that they already have a working relationship with.

What’s more, a full-service contractor accounts for additional expenses like these up front so as to make sure everything is covered. And most importantly – don’t hire an unlicensed contractor.

Looking for a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Encinitas?

Classic Home Improvements is a full-service remodeling company serving Encinitas and all of San Diego County with dedication and integrity. As a reputable design-build company, we handle all phases of a remodeling project from design to construction. For an outstanding bathroom makeover, contact us today for a free quote!

When starting your bathroom remodel, take the time to think of all the possibilities of the accessories that can go into your remodel. Now is the time to add the accessories you have always wanted to have. Not quite sure what options are trending right now? Here are a few items we consider to be “must have” accessories for your new bathroom.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are not just for kitchens anymore, they are headed to the bathroom. Pendant lights look great above a vanity and come in numerous colors, shapes, sizes, styles and textures. Bring your theme to life and add a unique flair to the design by adding these lights.

Chandeliers

Now, typically when you think of chandeliers you picture them in a beautiful dining room above a gorgeous table. Well think again! Chandeliers are making their way to the bathroom above bathrooms and vanities. Chandeliers come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Small glass chandeliers look amazing above a vanity, it can give the room an old world charm especially if you have a vintage feel to your bathroom remodel. Chandeliers come in modern and non-traditional shapes and can work with many bathroom designs.

Light up Mirrors

Mirrors can be a unique decorative aspect that go into your bathroom design. Now mirrors are taking it up a notch by being lit. Light up mirrors are coming out in various shapes and sizes. Light up mirrors give off enough light without needing clunky sconces nearby and once they are turned off they look like a regular mirror. Light up mirrors are perfect for a nice clean design and the light is perfect for personal prepping and makeup application!

Towel Warmers

Imagine getting out of a nice shower and you grab your towel and it’s nice and warm and snuggly. Towel warmers are one of those items in a bathroom remodel you may not find necessary but if you are after that “spa feeling” we encourage you to include a towel warmer in your new space. You will never have to wrap yourself around a cold towel again.

Storage Drawers

Manufacturers of cabinetry are getting creative with the vanity cabinet and storage solutions. They have added drawers which have special compartments for hair dryers, brushes, tooth brushes and makeup. These unique drawers have already been seen in bathroom remodels and our feeling is that this trend will continue to grow.

Bluetooth Showerhead

Bluetooth technology is starting to sweep the nation and is starting to get more integrated into our everyday products. There are now Bluetooth shower heads that you can connect to your phone so you can shower with your favorite music. What a great way to start your day!

Vessel sinks

Vessel sinks give your bathroom a regal feel to it. Vessel sinks come in all shapes, sizes or colors so if you have a specific theme in mind, there will be a vessel sink to accommodate your ideas.

Heated Floors

Have a tile floor and hate stepping on the cold floor after a nice shower? That problem can be solved instantly. Heated floors are a wonderful way to heat up your tile floor so you will never have to step on a cold tile again. This is a perfect accessory for wintertime and its a luxury when you are stepping out of a relaxing bath or shower.

We know that themes and products can truly make a space unique so we hope some of these ideas land in your spa bathroom remodel.